staff picks for Week 14 against the Bears and Lions
After a bye week, the Bears take the field again on Sunday at Soldier Field to take on the Detroit Lions. The Bears, who currently have a 4-8 record, are searching for their first victory streak after winning their first NFC North game under Matt Eberflus. The Lions, who lead the NFC North and have been in disarray lately, are the team to beat.
When the two teams played each other in Week 11 in Detroit, the Bears lost a double-digit lead in the game’s last four minutes. The Bears appeared to be the stronger side on the field for around 56 minutes, but a late Lions push and several critical errors in the fourth quarter sealed the comeback.
As the season comes to an end, Chicago is now seeking retribution and attempting to put together a winning run. It’s crucial for coaches as well as players because employment may be at stake at the end of the season.
We anticipate the staff lineup for the Bears’ Sunday home game versus the Lions, like we always do. For comprehensive coverage of this game and the remainder of the season, be sure to return to the Bear Report.
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Andrew Freeman
Bears 21, Lions 27 is the prediction.
Record: 8–4.
The Bears have an opportunity to pull off an upset here because they are playing at home after going on a bye. The previous time these two teams met, the Bears gave the Lions a tough game, and a late collapse decided the outcome. Having said that, the Lions will enter this game with a goal to advance to the postseason and demonstrate that they are the superior club. In my opinion, the Lions are the superior team overall and win another close game against the Bears.
X-Factor: Fields, Justin. Despite a late mistake that sealed the defeat in their most recent meeting, Fields had one of his best performances of the year. Fields must bring that momentum into this game after using a clutch play to exorcise some demons against the Vikings and win the game. Fields’ future in Chicago is highly uncertain, therefore he must perform well going forward.
After a week off, Chicago is back in play and prepared to take on another NFC North rival. The team is searching for their first winning run under Matt Eberflus after winning their first divisional match. The Bears and Lions will play one other again in this game, having previously met and lost to Detroit in three previous meetings. I believe the Bears keep playing well and manage to win at home, which heightens the season’s interest.
X-Factor: Fields, Justin. Despite some losses to the NFC North rival, Fields has had a strong playing record versus the Lions throughout his career. If he performs well on Sunday, they ought to win the game and accomplish their goal.
The Bears are at home, and everyone should be thinking back on that thrilling collapse against the Lions that occurred just three weeks prior. Even though they are having difficulties, the Lions are still the superior team and will be more equipped.
The Bears demonstrated their ability to compete with the Lions two games ago. Chicago has demonstrated that they can compete in games, but it is unclear how much of it will convert three weeks later. Getting them is a different story. At the moment, Detroit’s football team is not very good. If it’s in front of the home fans, this should be a chance for head coach Matt Eberflus to record his first memorable victory. Having said that, unless the Bears prove to me that they are a winning football team, I cannot bring myself to take them. I thus anticipate a close contest.
X-Factor: Making the run and coming out on top in the trenches The phrase “the weather outside of frightful” could not better sum up the predictions for Sunday. Establishing a run game will therefore be crucial. Particularly since standout defensive tackle Aliem McNeil was put on injured reserve earlier this week. Chicago needs to win the battle of time of possession and maintain control of the line of scrimmage.
Although Detroit hasn’t been as dominant as they did at the beginning of the season, head coach Dan Campbell has shown that his play calling skills can help them win close games. This week, I predict a similar result for both sides, who come into it relatively healthy and with all of their playmakers available. Though he will eventually have to play catch-up against an even more potent Lions offense, I see Justin Fields, who is playing better offensively than he did two weeks ago, finding Moore for big gains. The Bears secondary is playing better on defense, creating turnovers like they did against Minnesota before to the bye, but they fall short in the closing seconds, just like they have all season.
X-factor: Fields, Justin. Fields’s future with the Bears will be decided by these final few games. He will need to bounce back from his lackluster effort against the Vikings and hold off the explosive Detroit offense in what may end up being a shootout if he wants to remain in the Windy City.
Prediction by BETH MISHLER-ELMORE: Bears 27, Lions 24
Note: 5-7
Similar to his predecessor Mitch Trubisky, Justin Fields has a propensity for excelling when facing the Detroit Lions. Fields nearly pulled off the upset a few weeks ago, and he has already ran for over 100 yards three times against them. Fields is playing for his future, and the Bears come into this game in good shape. It might be apparent to you where this prediction is headed. Fields is going to have a huge game against Detroit, and I believe the defense will keep playing well. Here, I think the Bears will barely prevail.
X-Factor: Fields, Justin. If he plays as good as he can, he can emerge victorious and take charge of this game. Additionally, I believe that this time he defeats Detroit with his arm.
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